17 Dec 2019: International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

It is a shocking and sad fact that sex working women are disproportionately more likely to be victims of violence. Many feel less able to report these crimes either due to fear of being judged or not being believed by the police or outed to friends and family which in itself is one of the reasons why sex workers are more vulnerable to violence. The derogatory language used against sex workers further legitimizes violence. Unlike in previous years we will not be holding a series of events. On the day itself we will be joining with sexworkers and allies to remember those who have been affected by violence.

Please get in touch if you would like to find out more about how you can be part of this by emailing:

Email: Amber.wilson@basisyorkshire.org.uk

Tel: 0113 – 243 0036 | 07940414141

Background to the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

The Day was originally developed by the founder of the Sex Workers Outreach Project USA to make people aware of the “epidemic of violence” sex workers face. It began as a memorial for the victims of the Green River Killer in Seattle who murdered at least 71 women between 1982-1998, most of whom were sex workers. Since then it has grown to unite sex workers rights organisations and charities around the word to raise awareness of Violence Against Sex workers with the aim to address stigma and discrimination which can so often lead to violence.